Fitting a Single Skin Oil Tank in the UK

Overview

In certain domestic installations in England and Scotland, a single skin oil tank might be suitable. However, this is not applicable in Wales or other areas with stricter requirements, such as Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man. For guidance on your specific case, it is essential to consult an OFTEC-approved technician or engineer.

Conducting an Oil Storage Risk Assessment

Before installing any oil tank, an oil storage risk assessment should be completed to determine the most appropriate tank and installation method. This assessment must be carried out by an OFTEC-approved engineer to ensure compliance with regulations and to minimize potential risks.

When is a Bunded Tank Required?

A bunded (double-walled) oil tank is necessary in the following circumstances for domestic oil installations:

• Your tank is located in Wales.
• Your oil tank is situated in Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
• Your tank has a capacity exceeding 2500 litres.
• Your tank is located within 10 metres of controlled water (e.g., rivers, lakes, streams).
• Your tank is positioned where a spillage could flow into an open drain or a loose-fitting manhole cover.
• Your tank is within 50 metres of a borehole or spring.
• Your tank is installed on hard or surfaced ground where any oil spillage could potentially run off towards controlled water.
• Your tank is located where the vent pipe outlet is not visible from the fill point (e.g., if the fill pipe is extended).
• Your tank supplies heating oil to a building that is not a single-family dwelling (e.g., commercial or multi-occupancy properties).
• Your tank is located within an England ‘Groundwater Source Protection Zone 1’.
• Any other specific hazards unique to the site could increase the risk of oil leakage or spillage.

More Regulations

• All domestic oil tanks with a capacity greater than 2500 litres must be bunded.
• All non-domestic oil tanks with a capacity over 200 litres are required to be bunded.